DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | James B. Weaver letters, 1860-1864

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1861-08-05 Page 01

Birds Point Mo Just opposite Cairo, Aug 5/61 My Dear Darling Wife:- We embarked at St Louis for this point on the 1st inst.  There were eight Steamers in the fleat all freighted with life and chivalry. Genl Fremont Conducted the expedition in person. When the flotila was fully under headway; the bands playing and soldiers cheering I was forceably reminded of the Poets Verse, where he speaks of the "Pomp and Circumstance of gloreous war." We arrived at this place yesterday evening 4 oclock. Our boats were ordered to lay alongside of the Mo shore, and the soldiers were not allowed to leave them until this morning, When we disembarked bag & baggage and Commenced puting up our tents. 
We have here now about seven thousand men. and at Cairo about 4000.  We will be likely to stay here for two or three weeks, maybe longer. I will write you every day or so during my stay in the army.  You have no idea how much real pleasure it affords me to write you, My health was never better.  I feel Confident that God will save and protect me, and restore me to my dear family. How I would like to see you and little Maud. God in his Mercy bless you.  O what is there aside from the Christian religion, so enobling and felicitous as the love which burns in the hearts of Husband & Wife? Like a fountain of bliss it springs up in the pathway of life to bless and make us happy.  O how strong and intensely ardent my love is for you. (over)

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Birds Point Mo Just opposite Cairo, Aug 5/61 My Dear Darling Wife:- We embarked at St Louis for this point on the 1st inst. There were eight Steamers in the fleat all freighted with life and chivalry. Genl Fremont Conducted the expedition in person. When the flotila was fully under headway; the bands playing and soldiers cheering I was forceably reminded of the Poets Verse, where he speaks of the "Pomp and Circumstance of gloreous war." We arrived at this place yesterday evening 4 oclock. Our boats were ordered to lay alongside of the Mo shore, and the soldiers were not allowed to leave them until this morning, When we disembarked bag & baggage and Commenced puting up our tents. We have here now about seven thousand men. and at Cairo about 4000. We will be likely to stay here for two or three weeks, maybe longer. I will write you every day or so during my stay in the army. You have no idea how much real pleasure it affords me to write you, My health was never better. I feel Confident that God will save and protect me, and restore me to my dear family. How I would like to see you and little Maud. God in his Mercy bless you. O what is there aside from the Christian religion, so enobling and felicitous as the love which burns in the hearts of Husband & Wife? Like a fountain of bliss it springs up in the pathway of life to bless and make us happy. O how strong and intensely ardent my love is for you. (over)